VFI Vacuum Fault Interrupter Switchgear - Eaton

1 VFI underground distribution Switchgear Electrical ApparatusGeneralEaton Cooper Power series VFI underground distribution Switchgear provides superior overcurrent protection through the use of proven, reliable Vacuum Fault interrupters. The resettable Vacuum Fault Interrupter allows immediate service restoration, eliminating the added expense and downtime associated with stocking and replacing construction provides a higher level of safety for operating personnel. With the addition of visible-break switches, circuits can be isolated and grounded without disconnecting or moving sealed insulation system offers the further advantage of low-maintenance, and permits construction of a compact, low-profile unit that is less obtrusive than a comparable air-insulated design. Insulation options include the environmentally-preferred high-fire-point E200 fluid and Envirotemp FR3 fluid, as well as mineral oil and Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) Switchgear is used for commercial/industrial and utility applications, and can be easily coordinated in the field without a PC, using field-selectable settings to meet distribution system protection requirements.

2 Ratings of VFI Switchgear are shown in Table distribution switchgearCA285004 ENEffective April 2021 Supersedes January 2021 COOPER POWERSERIESF eatures and detailed descriptionVFI switchgearEaton s VFI underground distribution Switchgear provides a simple, economical approach to protective requirements for 5, 15, 25, and 35 kV underground systems. The deadfront construction of VFI Switchgear improves safety for utility personnel and the general public. Inside, all terminations are covered with insulating rubber that is grounded. All internal parts are completely sealed in a steel tank to reduce maintenance and eliminate the problems of moisture, dirt, and fluid-insulated, sealed design offers an added advantage: an unobtrusive, low-profile Switchgear is versatile in its application. It is suited for commercial/industrial and utility compact style VFI Switchgear units are ideal for areas where access is limited; such as next to a transformer, behind a building, against a wall, or in a vault.

3 The VFI vault-style unit is suitable for indoor applications including commercial and industrial electrical equipment rooms. 5- and 6-way units are ideal for large retail complexes and campuses (military, university, industrial park) with multiple sustained reliability, VFI Switchgear has 30 years of excellent field performance. The VFI Switchgear s interrupting duty cycle is unmatched in the industry, providing a full 232 interruptions per IEEE Std -2003 standard (see Table 2).Tri-Phase controlThe Tri-Phase electronic control provides a flexible solution for time-current-curve coordination. The Tri-Phase control offers over 100 minimum trip settings and an assortment of time-current curves. With standard instantaneous trip and optional ground trip and minimum response characteristics, the Tri-Phase control will satisfy system protection and coordination needs. A wide selection of TCCs and minimum trip settings make it easily adaptable to distribution systems.

4 Figure 1. Compact single-sided units are available in vault and pad-mounted styles. Figure 2. VFI Switchgear 6-way unit. Table 1. Ratings for VFI Switchgear and Load-Break Switch*Nominal Voltage15 kV 15 kV 25 kV35 kVMaximum Design Voltage, , kV95951251501-minute Withstand Voltage (60 Hz), kV35356070 Momentary Current, 10 cycles (sym.), Withstand Current (sym.), Fault InterrupterContinuous Current, (max.), A600**600600**600 Interrupting Current ( ), Current (sym.), Charging Interrupting Current, SwitchContinuous Current, (max), A600600600600 Load Switching, A600600600600 Fault Making ( ), * Continuous and short-circuit currents may be limited by ratings of selected bushings.** 900 A and 1200 A continuous-current ratings are also available on fluid units on ways without visible requires stainless steel construction.** 900 A continuous-current ratings are also available on fluid units on ways without visible break.

5 2 Catalog Data CA285004 ENEffective April 2021 VFI underground distribution two-sided designEaton offers a split two-sided design which allows for Visible Break windows and operating handles to be on one side and bushings on the other. This allows operators to safely access the operating handles and view the visible break window without exposure risk to the medium voltage bushings. Split two-sided units are available up to four ways in all kV operationSide operation handles make it possible to operate the switch without opening the medium voltage cabinet. Side operation allows for manual operation only, and cannot be paired with motor operators. For more information regarding side operation, consult with 3. Front Operator Side Figure 4. Back Cable Side Figure 5. Side Operating Handle 3 Catalog Data CA285004 ENEffective April 2021 VFI underground distribution Idea relaysEdison Idea relays allow enhanced functionality in protection and communication.

6 The IDEA Workbench embedded within the ProView software allow unsurpassed flexibility in customizing the relay protection and control functions through downloadable Custom Software Modules. Depending on the relay selected, Edison Idea relays can provide protective functions such as overcurrent with or without ground detection, over/under voltages, reverse power, and negative sequence to name a metering and analytics are also available which are critical to providing Distribution Automation capability. Single- or three-phase trippingMost commercial loads consist of large three-phase transformers. Many transformers are protected with single-phase fuses. Typically, only one of the fuses will open during an overcurrent condition. This single-phases three-phase commercial loads, and may cause damage to three-phase motors and other equipment. VFI Switchgear solves this problem by providing three-phase ganged tripping.

7 An overcurrent on any phase automatically opens all three phases simultaneously clearing faults within 2 cycles. VFI Switchgear can also be specified with single-phase trip, to provide individual phase protection for single-phase residential Switchgear can also serve as a Vacuum loadbreak switch. Tap switching has traditionally been accomplished by pulling loadbreak elbows. With VFI Switchgear , the tap can be switched with a simple push-pull of the operating loadbreak switchSource switching is accomplished by three-phase, Vacuum loadbreak switches. The ratings for the Vacuum switches are in Table 1. Visible-break switchVisible-break switches are available in two versions a two-position switch (closed/open) and a three-position switch, (closed/open/ground). Visible-break is accomplished by a separate switch operated from the side of the unit away from the high voltage compartment.

8 This switch is mechanically interlocked such that the Vacuum load-break switch or the Vacuum Fault Interrupter mechanism first interrupts the current and then the visible-break switch may be operated. The visible-break switch is rated 600 A continuous current and has a making current rating up to 16 kA (sym). The ground position allows the cables to be grounded without disconnecting or moving the terminations. The switch contact positions are visible via a large viewing window above the associated bushings. Only VFI Switchgear with liquid dielectric may be equipped with a visible-break of insulationEaton offers underground distribution Switchgear with the widest availability of dielectric media in the industry. Fire-resistant E200 fluid and Envirotemp FR3 fluid, as well as commonly used mineral oil and SF6 gas, are offered as insulation media for VFI fluidE200 fluid is fire-resistant biodegradable, polyol ester-based, non-toxic low viscosity fluid with excellent dielectric, thermal and physical properties.

9 The low viscosity characteristic allows it to be used in VFI Switchgear down to -30 C. Its fire point is greater than 300 C (572 F), a requirement for less flammable performance of the Switchgear equipment containing E200 fluid is further enhanced by the fluid s other important properties: Excellent thermal properties High dielectric strength Oxidation stability Clear bright appearanceEnvirotemp FR3 fluidEnvirotemp FR3 fluid is formulated from edible vegetable oils and food grade performance enhancing additives. It does not contain any petroleum, halogens, silicones, or any other questionable material. It quickly and thoroughly biodegrades in both soil and aquatic environments. The fluid tested non-toxic in aquatic toxicity oilMineral oil is a petroleum-based, time-proven insulation and has reliable electrical insulating is non-flammable, odorless, colorless gas that requires a gas-tight design and gas monitoring and handling 2.

10 Interrupting Duty CycleMinimum Full Life Fault Interrupting Duty Cycle per IEEE Std -2003 standard (2 duty cycles)Number of OperationsPercent of Interrupting Current Rating:15-20%8845-55%11290-100%32 Total232 Table 3. Available Dielectric Media Minimum Application LimitsE200 Fluid -30 C to +55 C* Envirotemp FR3 Fluid 0 C to +55 C* Mineral Oil -30 C to +55 C* SF6 Gas -30 C to +55 C* * +55 C rating includes 15 C solar temperature rise. IMPORTANTFor applications requiring SF6 insulated Switchgear , contact your Eaton representative when selecting a relay/controller that has metering and protective elements requiring potential Data CA285004 ENEffective April 2021 VFI underground distribution 6. VFI Switchgear source-side switch components (some optional components shown). Figure 7. VFI Switchgear tap-side components (some optional components shown).Penta-head Bolt (with padlock provisions)Visible-Break Switch Viewing WindowLiquid Level or SF6 Pressure Gauge IndicatorLift-Up Roof with RetainersSide Recessed Lifting Provisions600 A Deadfront BushingsSide-Hinged DoorsLiquid Level IndicatorAccessory Parking StandsMotor ActuatorEdison Idea Controller200 A Bushing WellsPotential Transformer Disconnect Switch5 Catalog Data CA285004 ENEffective April 2021 VFI underground distribution Profile sealed constructionVFI Switchgear features a low-profile cabinet design, with sealed tank construction.